England turn to former Kiwi pacer for consultant role

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has appointed former New Zealand speedster Tim Southee as a Specialist Skills Consultant for the England Men’s teams.

Southee will look be available for the one-off Test against Zimbabwe, followed by Harry Brook's first white-ball assignment as captain - the three T20I and as many ODIs challenge against the West Indies, and subsequently the blockbuster five-match Test series against India next month.

Having played 107 Tests, 161 ODIs and 126 T20Is, Southee retired from international cricket in December 2024 as New Zealand’s all-time leading wicket-taker with 776 scalps across formats.

Known for his skillful seam bowling and strategic acumen, he brings extensive experience from over 15 years of international cricket, having competed in a wide range of conditions and across all major formats.

He will link up with the England squad ahead of England’s opening fixture of the summer – the one-off Test against Zimbabwe – beginning 22nd May at Trent Bridge.

Following the conclusion of his consultancy role, Southee is expected to resume playing duties in The Hundred with Birmingham Phoenix.

England's upcoming fixtures:

One-off Test vs Zimbabwe

22-25 May – Only Test, Trent Bridge

ODIs v West Indies:

May 29 – 1st ODI, Edgbaston

June 1 – 2nd ODI, Sophia Gardens

June 3 – 3rd ODI, The Oval

T20Is v West Indies:

June 6 – 1st T20I, Durham

June 8 – 2nd T20I, Bristol

June 10 – 3rd T20I, Southampton

Tests v India:

June 20-24 – First Test, Headingley

July 2- 6 – Second Test, Edgbaston

July 10-14 – Third Test, Lord's

July 23-27 – Fourth Test, Old Trafford

July 31-August 4 – Fifth Test, The Oval